Author: msi-admin

When home owners go through their process in regards to hiring a contractor, they’ll look at reviews, pictures of previous jobs, and some may even go a bit further and ask for references. But one major item that is often overlooked is insurance. And not just general liability, but workman’s compensation insurance. Liability and workers’ comp are two different types of policies, but each should be carried by nearly every contractor. General liability protects their business and workers if they damage a home owner’s property, cause bodily harm, or advertise injury. Workers’ comp is an insurance policy that protects workers and pays for any harm or injury that comes to them while on the job. As a home or business owner employing the contractor to perform work, it’s up to you to ask and verify if they have proper liability and workers’ comp before signing the contract. Otherwise, you could be held responsible for the alleged wrongdoing or accidents caused by the contractor’s work without insurance.

Many home and business owners fail to realize that the contractor themselves and each of their employees could potentially file a claim against their insurance policy if an accident should occur. Not only does that mean you’re potentially responsible for paying out the appropriate fees and deductibles on such claims, but it guarantees your home insurance rates will go up. Another risk you potentially face when hiring a contractor without proper coverage is that any faulty or defective work they complete will be your financial responsibility to fix. When your contractor has liability and workers’ comp, you have recourse to file a claim against their policy for any repairs. But when they don’t have these coverages, you’re accepting the risk that you’ll be put in the position to pay for future related repairs

For contractors, liability and workers’ comp are like any other insurance policy in that you are paying to protect yourself from potential damages and economic losses that could potentially occur. If an employee should be hurt on the job, workers comp insurance will cover those losses, rather than it being an out of pocket loss.  For homeowners, verifying the contractor you hire is covered could be the difference between having their policy pay for any damages and injuries, versus them looking for your insurance, or even you to pay those costs. Always ask for liability and workman’s comp proof of insurance before signing any contract, and call the carrier to be certain that the coverage is active, up to date and covers the type of project you hired them for.

During the summer months when an air conditioning unit is keeping your home cool, you may see water droplets or condensation forming on your ductwork. This can occur when the cold air within the unit is colliding with warmer within the environment, and thus creating these droplets. And even though not all ductwork sweating is harmful, in some cases it very well can be.The sweating can drip onto both drywall and insulation, causing damage to the building material and then leading to mold growth. Excess humidity issues can also lead to widespread mold growth throughout your home, so controlling ductwork sweating can save you thousands of dollars in unwanted repairs. Here are a few ways you can prevent ductwork condensation in your home:

• Reducing Humidity Levels: An ideal range for humidity is between 40 to 50 percent. A proper sized dehumidifier can assist in controlling humidity spikes and also dry some moisture in your basement which can lead to mold growth.
• Ductwork Maintenance: If the air ducts in your home are older, adding insulation can significantly reduce and even stop condensation from forming. Insulating your ducts can also help with energy loss as some ductwork may have cool and hot air escapes.
• Attic Maintenance: When ductwork runs through your attic, having a properly insulated attic can make a huge difference when controlling condensation. Upgrading your attic insulation and improving your attic’s ventilation can prevent condensation on air ducts.
• Dirty or Blocked Filters: Not having proper air flow to your unit can not only damage the unit itself, but also cause condensation. To ensure proper airflow, replace your air filters every three months, even if you don’t see condensation on AC ducts. Doing so also improves the efficiency of your air conditioner.
• Repairing Installation Errors: Another common cause for condensation on AC ducts is if they aren’t hung properly or are touching each other. When ducts touch each other, they create cold spots where condensation can occur. Proper installation is also important when your ductwork is installed in the attic since installation can affect how well the insulation performs.

Like anything in your home, proper maintenance can reduce your chances of failure or damage. Controlling ductwork sweating can also limit your chances of mold and water damage causing thousands of dollars in needed repairs and potentially structural issues. Having your unit serviced and your ductwork checked on a yearly basis is money well spent.

Mold in one’s home, apartment or place of work can lead to adverse health issues like nose congestion, rashes, feeling short of breath, headaches and inflaming asthma. Prolonged exposure to mold can worsen one’s health over time and in many cases said exposure has been linked to internal organ damage and even mental impairment. Ignoring the issue will only make it worse, so once water damage and mold is discovered within a dwelling, immediate action by trained professionals is a vital step in avoiding larger issues in the future.

A lawsuit could in fact result if toxic mold is discovered in a home, apartment or place of work especially if the landlord or previous owner had knowledge of issues prior to a new owner or tenant has occupied the property. Seller’s disclosures are now being scrutinized even more as previous home owners deceive new potential buyers, or when landlord’s are being deceptive about previous losses or needed repairs. It is the responsibility of the previous owner or the landlord to fully disclose any potential issues in the past and also provide proper documentation of said repairs to ensure that the new owners or tenants are fully aware of previous damage. Lying or intentionally being deceptive can lead to costly lawsuits in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Landlord Responsibilities

It is possible to bring a suit against anyone who knowingly caused or contributed to mold issues in a property that has affected those within the dwelling. Mold can not only lead to major health issues but also major property loss, as demolition of affected materials can be very costly. If mold is behind kitchen cabinets because of a previous leak, those cabinets would have to be removed, and if the cabinets themselves are compromised, then they too would have to be discarded leading to what appeared to be a small mold job, into a complete kitchen remodel which could cost tens of thousands of dollars on average. You may have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit, a property damage claim or even a malpractice case depending on the situation itself. Here are some examples of how a mold case can be brought to court:

1. Tenants can sue both landlords and property managers for health issues and personal property damage caused by mold especially in cases where rental insurance may not cover the total monetary loss.
2. Contractors or even architects are liable for suit when they have violated building codes, used faulty building materials, knowingly caused damage to the property due to negligence, didn’t file for or have proper permitting, or directly violated local building codes.
3. Previous owners failing to disclose prior water and mold damage, and not properly notifying potential buyers of pervious damage. Knowingly covering up water damage losses and mold or other building defects such as improperly installed stucco or windows, or roofing issues.
4. Restoration companies who were hired to remove mold or water damage from any type of flooding and failed to properly remediate the issue leading to more mold and potential exposure from their negligence.
5. Insurance carrier’s dragging out even the smallest of water damage claims, which then lead to mold issues and potential health risks in your dwelling. Some insurance carriers can take months and even years haggling over covered claims which then can lead to secondary damage and mold exposure.

Steps to Take When Pursuing Legal Action

If you are at a point where legal option may be the only recourse, there are some crucial steps you will need to take to assist your case. Not following some of the these suggestion could lead to your case becoming weaker, and thus harder to file for an attorney.

1. Take photos and even videos of the damage.
2. Document all correspondence and try avoiding phone calls as they aren’t proof, and recording calls can some times work against you. Emails and texts are the best option to prove that you notified landlords or contractors about damage, and show dates of action.
3. Get mold testing done. This can be one of the most important steps. You can’t just say you have mold, you have to prove it. Having a professional test for mold can tell you the type and severity and help in providing evidence of your exposure.
4. Keep a record of all repairs you may have made. In order to get reimbursed for work you paid for, you must have documentation proving you paid for such repairs. Copies of cashed checks or credit card payments and invoices will be best.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if you’re having any adverse health affect. Don’t wait until it is too late to get help if you’re feeling ill due to mold exposure.

Having proper legal representation for any case is vital in securing your chances of being awarded damages, but it is difficult to find the right attorney or an attorney willing to take on cases for mold. Not every mold case is the same, and not every case involving mold is something that can even be brought to court. Do your due diligence prior to hiring any attorney and ask for previous cases they have been apart of in the past to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Dehumidifiers regulate humidity by removing moisture from the air to create living spaces that are comfortable for people and inhospitable to dust mites, mold and other allergens. Excess moisture leads to mold growth, and mold growth leads to property damage, bad indoor air quality, increased odors from off-gassing of mold spores, and damage to items stored in the basement. There are three main sources of moisture in your home: the first source is leaks, the second is diffusion through materials, and the third is internally generated moisture. 

Fifty percent of the air in the upper levels of your home comes from the basement or crawl space. Both contain high levels of moisture that cause musty odors, mold spores, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. Damp air in these areas may also damage the structure of your home and stored items. According to experts, controlling humidity inside the home is essential for comfort, reduced health risks, and property protection. Here are the top 5 reasons to get a dehumidifier.

1. Musty Odors – Musty odors are typically a result of high humidity levels in the crawl space and basement. This polluted air below the house will eventually move to the rest of the house, carrying musty odors and other contaminates. Specifically, musty odors in your home come from the off-gassing of mold spores when they feed on organic materials. Solve the moisture problem and you will solve your mold problem.
2. Comfort – A home dehumidifier draws moisture out of the air which allows your A/C system to perform more efficiently. This prevents the “cold and clammy” feeling you may get when you rely solely on your A/C to lower the temperature in an attempt to lower the humidity level in your home.
3. Controlling Dampness – If after heavy rain, you notice water dripping on your basement floor, sweating walls, or rings of mold spores, you should use a dehumidifier to dry it out. If you have a regularly damp basement it’s a good idea to keep one running throughout the year.
4. Helps With Allergies – Designed to work with your home’s HVAC system, a whole-home ventilating dehumidifier brings in fresh, filtered outdoor air. This process dilutes allergens and contaminants, all while dehumidifying the entire home to maintain a set relative humidity (RH) level. 
5. Safer Food Storage – The use of a dehumidifier can improve the shelf life of porous foods such as cereal, bread, and chips by absorbing moisture and other contaminants that contribute to spoilage.

Basement flooding can occur at any time, even in dry conditions.  Most home owners don’t think about basement flooding in dry weather, only when it’s during the wet summers. But there are many ways a basement can flood in dry weather causing major water damage to your finished space and contents.

There are a number of reasons why basements flood. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.

Most flood events do happen during wet weather, but it is quite possible for a flood to occur during dry weather too. Three of the most common reasons are as follows:

1. A blocked or failed sanitary lateral. The sanitary sewer lateral, just like the shingles on your roof, or your paved driveway, is a feature that will degrade over time. As a lateral degrades, several things can happen. For example, tree roots might penetrate and the lateral might collapse because of gradual deterioration. These scenarios can block the lateral, resulting in a sewage backup. In this case, it will be your own home’s domestic wastewater that floods your basement. The only way for the wastewater to drain becomes the lowest fixture in the home – usually the floor drain or a basement level shower stall, sink or toilet. Your lateral, just like your roof, your driveway or windows, needs maintenance, and ultimately needs to be replaced or rehabilitated. Talk to a licensed plumber, who can carry out an assessment. Another reason for blockage of a sanitary sewer is simply due to what is being flushed down the toilet. Our Toilets and Drain page has a list of things not to put down your drain, or flush down your toilet. Toilets are for human waste and toilet paper, and that is pretty much it!
2. Foundation drainage failure. Subdivisions are sometimes constructed in lower-lying areas that are generally wetter than others. In such cases, the foundation drainage system, whether by gravity or by pump, must work continuously to keep the ground water level around the foundation lower than the basement floor.
   Just as with sewer laterals, gravity foundation systems, often called weeping tiles, may degrade over time or get plugged by fine sediments. As a result, the ground around the foundation will cease to drain itself by gravity. In other cases, sump holes in the foundation are constructed to accommodate a sump pump. These devices pump out the water around the foundation and either discharge it to the lawn, storm sewer, or illegally to the sanitary sewer. Discharging a sump pump to the sanitary sewer is illegal, and should either be reported and/or repaired immediately. It is possible for these pumps to fail, or simply be unable to keep up with the incoming water, or get plugged. This flood type will be discussed further in the wet weather section.
3. Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure. Sometimes, a flood is due to a break in the home’s internal water supply plumbing or failure of the hot-water tank. This can result from aging plumbing or equipment, a puncture of a pipe during construction, or freezing-induced splitting of a pipe.

If your basement floods, immediate action is paramount.  Our emergency water damage restoration service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and you’ll always speak to a live person. Having the wet building material removed and the space structurally dried will prevent secondary damage and mold. If a flood should occur in your home or business, give our water damage restoration team a call, and we’ll have your space back to new in no time.

Heating equipment, like space heaters, are the leading cause of house fires in the United States. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 48,530 fires involving heating equipment each year in 2014-2018. These fires resulted in annual losses of 500 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. With the risks associated with space heater usage, it’s no surprise people are hesitant about using space heaters in their home. But as long as you follow some safety guidelines, space heaters aren’t inherently dangerous.  Here are some useful tips to understanding space heaters, and also how to properly purchase one suited for your home needs.

Four different types of space heaters

• Fan-forced: Warm air is blown over metal coils.
• Infrared: Infrared light bulbs create heat.
• Ceramic: Ceramic heating element warms air.
• Water or oil-filled: Heated water or oil travels through the unit.

No matter which type of space heater you buy, be sure to check that it’s a recent model with an Underwriters Laboratories label. Also check to see what size room the heater is designed for, and generally keep to devices appropriate for the room in which you plan to use them.

Space Heater Placement

It’s generally suggested that space heaters be placed at least 3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. These items can cause a risk of fire if they come in contact with a unit’s electric heating element or too-hot surface.

Other Placement Tips

• Make sure that the heater is placed on a hard, level surface.
• Review your owner’s manual for specific instructions on your heater.
• Never sit or drape anything on top of a portable heater, or use it to dry clothing or towels.

smoke damage

Space heater safety features to consider

When purchasing a space heater, consider the following safety features:

• Tip-Over Switch: Shuts the unit down if it’s not in an upright position  
• Automatic shut-off/Overheat protection:Automatically shuts down the unit in the case of overheating
• Thermostat:Monitors indoor temperature, which allows the unit to determine when to turn on and off
• Plastic face: Keeps the grille from heating to the point of burning the skin upon contact

Extra safety features are good to keep in mind — especially if you plan to use the heater in certain contexts. If you have pets or children, tip-over switches and nonmetal faces are important features to consider. Likewise, if you plan to use the heater without constantly monitoring it yourself, you will probably want to consider an automatic shut-off feature, or a thermostat that allows you to set a certain target temperature.

Space heater safety features to consider

When purchasing a space heater, consider the following safety features:

• Tip-Over Switch: Shuts the unit down if it’s not in an upright position  
• Automatic shut-off/Overheat protection:Automatically shuts down the unit in the case of overheating
• Thermostat:Monitors indoor temperature, which allows the unit to determine when to turn on and off
• Plastic face: Keeps the grille from heating to the point of burning the skin upon contact

Extra safety features are good to keep in mind, especially if you plan to use the heater in certain contexts. If you have pets or children, tip-over switches and nonmetal faces are important features to consider. Likewise, if you plan to use the heater without constantly monitoring it yourself, you will probably want to consider an automatic shut-off feature, or a thermostat that allows you to set a certain target temperature.

Space heater safety tips

Space heaters have caused many house fires, injuries and deaths over the years. If you plan to use a space heater during the cold winter months, you’ll want to make sure you are using it properly to avoid potentially fatal mistakes.

To keep yourself and your home safe while using a space heater:

• Review instructions and warning labels to ensure safe operation. 
• Inspect your heater for damage. 
• Place space heaters on low, flat surfaces. 
• Keep out of high-traffic areas or doorways. 
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items and objects, such as papers or curtains. 
• Avoid leaving a space heater unattended — especially for long periods of time. 
• Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips. 
• Unplug space heaters when not in use.

When it’s cold outside, a space heater can be the perfect way to create a warm, comfortable living area. Although space heaters can be a hazard, when used correctly they are a convenient, affordable option when you’re looking too quickly and easily supplement your home’s central heating system.

Fire & Smoke Damage

When a fire loss occurs in your home or business, it is nothing short of a tragedy. Immediate action is also a must to minimize the amount of soot from further destroying the structure and your personal contents. Our emergency response team is on call 24-7, and you will always speak to a live person no matter the time or date. We will bring your home back to pre-loss conditions, while documenting all of the damage, and work directly with your insurance carrier, so you can get back into your home safely and quickly.

LEARN MOREGET A QUOTE

PHILADELPHIA LOCATION:

Mold Solutions & Inspections
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Phone: 215-339-1769

FOLCROFT LOCATION:

Mold Solutions & Inspections
1555 Baltimore Avenue,
Folcroft, PA 19032

Phone: 215-339-1769

FREEHOLD LOCATION:

Mold Solutions & Inspections
4400 Route 9 South,
Suite 1000,
Freehold NJ, 07728

Phone: 732-303-8093

Cross-linked polyethylene tubing, better known as PEX, has revolutionized plumbing installations and repiping in the last three decades. This flexible tubing, safe for potable water, can make gentle bends around obstructions. Where required, elbows and other joints can be quickly installed with clamps, eliminating the need for soldering or gluing required with copper or PVC pipe. PEX is also less expensive than copper and won’t corrode over time. PEX tubing installed in plumbing systems in Europe over 30 years ago is still intact and resilient today.

Pipe ruptures that occur during a hard freeze are a major issue in cold climates. The insurance industry reports that over a quarter-million homeowners annually suffer property damage from broken water supply pipes in freezing temperatures. If outside temperatures fall below the 20-degree Fahrenheit threshold that generally causes ice to form in water lines, pipes may freeze. However, PEX offers a potential advantage over rigid plumbing such as copper or hard PVC. Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.

Because outdoor temperature conditions that cause ice formation in pipes vary from the moderate to the extreme, PEX manufacturers can provide no guarantee against rupture due to freezing.Therefore, here are some other steps you can take to prevent PEX pipes from freezing in the first place:

• Route PEX tubing through interior not exterior walls where possible.
• Keep rooms at 55 degrees or more when outdoor temps drop below 20 degrees.
• Insulate spans of PEX tubing exposed to freezing temperatures.
• During spells of acutely cold weather, allow indoor faucets to dribble to relieve damaging pressure in pipes if ice forms.

Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornados. Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph. Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes. Wind speeds can reach up to 100 mph and can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles. Since most thunderstorms produce some straight-line winds as a result of outflow generated by the thunderstorm downdraft, anyone living in thunderstorm-prone areas of the world is at risk for experiencing this hazard. People living in mobile homes are especially at risk for injury and death. Even anchored mobile homes can be seriously damaged when winds gust over 80 mph.

Windstorm insurance covers the types of excessively gusty events, such as hurricanes and cyclones but some policies might exclude this coverage. Those who live in areas susceptible to this type of peril must purchase additional coverage to protect themselves. Residents of coastal states and midwestern states, where hurricanes and tornadoes are relatively common, fall into this category.

Windstorm insurance will typically cover physical damage to the property and personal belongings inside the home. Many policies also include coverage for detached structures such as garages and sheds. When big winds harm roofs and windows, rain and debris can cause additional damage. In such cases, most policies will cover repairs as long as the claim is filed soon after the event. Sometimes, windstorms are followed by storm surges and flooding, but windstorm insurance will not typically cover damage caused by these rising waters. Flood insurance coverage provided by the federal government must be purchased separately, and it takes 30 days to go into effect.

What To Do Before The Storm Rolls In

These are some tips of things to do in or around your home to mitigate wind damage due to a tropical system.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

• Trees close to your home can snap or uproot.
• High wind can turn branches into projectiles during the storm.

Remove Debris From Your Yard

• Bring in outdoor furniture.
• Lawn chairs, trampolines, pool supplies, etc can be turned into flying debris.

Cover Windows

• This is necessary in order to guard against flying debris.
• Plywood or professionally installed shutters are best.
• Secure materials for this NOW while there is a surplus. Do not wait until a storm is forming in the Gulf.
• Taping windows DOES NOTHING to protect your home from wind!

Reinforce Garage Doors

• This will prevent wind from entering and causing dangerous/expensive damage.

Proper Maintenance

• Ensure that roofing materials, fencing, etc. are properly maintained and in good condition.
• This will allow them to be more resistant to wind damage.

Clear Clogged Rain Gutters and Downspouts

• This will help with the flow of water during heavy rainfall.